By John-Paul Tooth

The 52-year-old has apologised for saying that bids would be considered for the Italy international, adding that the club do not want to see him depart

Roma general manager Franco Baldini has retracted his recent comments in which he suggested the club were open to offers for Daniele De Rossi.

The 52-year-old was reported to have said the Giallorossi had weighed up a bid for the midfielder from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, and that further offers would also be considered.

"My words after Lazio-Roma were careless," Baldini told Rai Sport. "We have no intention to sell an important player like Daniel, we demonstrated that in the summer."

"De Rossi is a Roma player and the club won't let him go," he continued. "Is he happy now? That is the question at the moment, but I can say there is a strong bond between this squad."

The capital club currently lie seventh in the Serie A table on 17 points, 14 adrift of leaders Juventus.